Secretary to the Governor General

Stephen Wallace

Main Responsibilities

  • Head of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and responsible for all its branches
  • Senior advisor to the governor general
  • Herald chancellor of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Biography

Stephen Wallace, secretary to the Governor GeneralOne of nine children from an East Coast naval family, Mr. Wallace grew up in Halifax and Ottawa, studied the arts and business administration and has focused much of his career on international affairs and public administration. His early work as a teacher, volunteer, diplomat and aid worker concentrated mainly on Africa and Latin America. Mr. Wallace spent many years with the Canadian International Development Agency, serving in turn as vice-president of the Policy Branch and Afghanistan Task Force. His public policy assignments included the Special Joint Committee of Parliament Reviewing Canadian Foreign Policy, as well as work on civil society with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. As a senior public servant, Mr. Wallace also served as assistant secretary of the Treasury Board Secretariat and associate deputy minister for the Department of Canadian Heritage. Stephen Wallace became secretary to the governor general in February 2011.

Arms of Office of the Herald Chancellor

Arms of Office of the Herald ChancellorThe position of herald chancellor is held by the secretary to the governor general, who is responsible for the administration of the entire viceregal office. The herald chancellor or the deputy herald chancellor issues the warrants permitting the chief herald to make grants or registrations of arms. They also sign each completed grant or registration document, along with the chief herald.

The red shield features a gold maple tree with its roots visible. As well as being a national emblem, the maple tree represents the predominant species of trees on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official site of the Authority. The batons of office use the colours of the arms, and are decorated with shields of the arms of the Authority.